new Raoul

[cwilliams]

Posted: 6/24/19 at 2:54pm

looks like Jay Armstrong Johnson will play his final performances as Raoul this September. Seeing the show in November, any word on who is taking over? 

[labellaragazza1]

Posted: 6/24/19 at 5:40pm

They tend not to announce until much closer to the end date of the previous star. I'm wondering if Ben will still be in it as well, as he's said his contract is up in October. Maybe we will have 2 new leading men in the show by the time Fall rolls around.

[sorano916]

Posted: 6/24/19 at 6:19pm

I kinda wish that Jason Forbach gets promoted to full-time Raoul. 

[cwilliams]

Posted: 6/24/19 at 6:38pm

Thanks for the info, makes sense as far as announcing a new lead closer to start date, I hope Ben stays with the show, I've heard only good things about his performance. Taking my boyfriend to see it in early November, it will be his first show to see on Broadway, it was mine too back in 88 when I was 6.

[MannPhan24601]

Posted: 6/24/19 at 6:43pm

Especially since he's now been on Broadway, I'd love to see David Cook tackle the Phantom(and he's been talking about that since singing MOTN on American Idol 11 years ago). He's talked about auditioning for things on his weekly radio show and he has less concerts than usual this summer.....

[Lot666]

Posted: 6/25/19 at 8:59am

Jay Armstrong Johnson is a likable guy and I really wanted him to succeed in the role of Raoul, but it pains me to say that he hasn't. His earlier performances were quite weak (he often could barely be heard in the group numbers), and while he had improved somewhat when I saw him again on June 13 and 15, he still doesn't really work in this role and his departure will probably be good for both him and the show.

What I did like about Jay Armstrong Johnson was his physical size and youthful appearance in relationship to the Phantom ("Insolent boy, this slave of fashion"). I'm always disappointed when they cast Raoul closer to the Phantom's age than to that of Christine. As for replacements, I'm curious what Bronson Norris Murphy might do in the role.

I spoke with Mr. Crawford after the June 15 show and he reiterated that his contract is currently slated to end in October, and while there has been no discussion of an extension so far, he would be interested in doing so if asked. I very much hope he extends because he is without a doubt the best Phantom I've seen in all my years of following this show. I'm taking no chances, though; I'll be going back to see him again in early August.

[cwilliams]

Posted: 6/25/19 at 9:42am

Wow, that is very strong praise for Ben Crawford, I've seen a lot of Phantoms as well on Broadway, London and tour, my personal favorite was Howard McGillin, but I certainly hope Crawford stays with the show, especially after such a glowing review. 

[Lot666]

Posted: 6/25/19 at 10:21am

cwilliams said: "Wow, that is very strong praise for Ben Crawford, I've seen a lot of Phantoms as well on Broadway, London and tour, my personal favorite was Howard McGillin, but I certainly hope Crawford stays with the show, especially after such a glowing review."

I, too, have seen this show in London (including the 25th at Royal Albert Hall), New York, and on numerous tours, and I lost count after 50 performances. Never before have I seen this role performed by such a total package. His vocal range is superb and consistently strong, from the lowest notes to the highest at the end of "Music of the Night", and his physical demeanor and acting choices are, IMO, perfection. I'd pay big bucks to see him do this opposite Sierra Boggess, who I feel was the best Christine ever.

[Marway44]

Posted: 6/25/19 at 1:37pm

I agree with Lot666. Jay looked good in the role; young, handsome, dashing, but every other Raoul had a stronger, louder voice.

As for Ben, he is the best Phantom I’ve seen. Michael can’t be beat, Hugh was amazing but Ben combines the 2 into the perfect Phantom.

It still amazes me how the show is in such great shape! They will not tolerate anyone “walking through it”. It looks great, it sounds great and one thing I appreciate is how they constantly wax the stage to bring that fresh, shiny black to it.

One thing maybe someone can answer for me. Years ago when Hugh was in the boat during the title song the line came “In all your fantasies, you always knew”, and Hugh spit on fantasies. I still wonder why he spit if he is lip syncing.

[Lot666]

Posted: 6/25/19 at 1:45pm

Marway44 said: "I agree with Lot666. Jay looked good in the role; young, handsome, dashing, but every other Raoul had a stronger, louder voice.

As for Ben, he is the best Phantom I’ve seen. Michael can’t be beat, Hugh was amazing but Ben combines the 2 into the perfect Phantom."

Perfection.

Marway44 said: "Years ago when Hugh was in the boat during the title song the line came “In all your fantasies, you always knew”, and Hugh spit on fantasies. I still wonder why he spit if he is lip syncing."

I don't think they're lip-syncing in that scene.

[cwilliams]

Posted: 6/25/19 at 2:17pm

Lot666 said: "Marway44 said: "I agree with Lot666. Jay looked good in the role; young, handsome, dashing, but every other Raoul had a stronger, louder voice.

As for Ben, he is the best Phantom I’ve seen. Michael can’t be beat, Hugh was amazing but Ben combines the 2 into the perfect Phantom."

Perfection.

Marway44 said: "Years ago when Hugh was in the boat during the title song the line came “In all your fantasies, you always knew”, and Hugh spit on fantasies. I still wonder why he spit if he is lip syncing."

I don't think they're lip-syncing in that scene."

My understanding was the entire title song is lip synced, although there have been cases of technology malfunction and the actors have sung it live. 

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 6/25/19 at 2:40pm

cwilliams said: "My understanding was the entire title song is lip synced, although there have been cases of technology malfunction and the actors have sung it live."

They may switch to live singing once the principles are back onstage in the boat. I don't see why they couldn't do it that way, but I too have always heard the entire song is pre-recorded up until "Sing, my angel of music" and then after that Christine's final high note is pre-recorded.

[Lot666]

Posted: 6/25/19 at 2:47pm

CATSNYrevival said: "cwilliams said: "My understanding was the entire title song is lip synced, although there have been cases of technology malfunction and the actors have sung it live."

They may switch to live singing once the principles are back onstage in the boat. I don't see why they couldn't do it that way, butI too have always heard the entire song is pre-recorded up until "Sing, my angel of music" and then after that Christine's final high note is pre-recorded."

I don't know which of us is correct, but my understanding was that they begin singing live when the boat and the two actual actors (as opposed to the preceding body doubles) appear on the stage.

Updated On: 6/25/19 at 02:47 PM

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 8/26/19 at 10:05pm

Just realized I'll be seeing John Riddle as Raoul at the end of September and to be honest I'm very excited. I loved Jay Armstrong when I saw him in "Hair" years ago, but seeing all the clips of him in Phantom left me kind of dreading seeing him in the show. I've never seen John Riddle in anything but have heard him on the Frozen and I feel more confident in his vocal abilities :)

http://www.playbill.com/article/broadways-the-phantom-of-the-opera-will-welcome-new-christine-daae-this-fall

[ukpuppetboy]

Posted: 8/26/19 at 10:21pm

Lot666 said: "
What I did like about Jay Armstrong Johnson was his physical size and youthful appearance in relationship to the Phantom ("Insolent boy, this slave of fashion"). I'm always disappointed when they cast Raoul closer to the Phantom's age than to that of Christine."

He looks AMAZING with that moustache too. So French aristocrat. 10/10

It’s so heartening reading the good reports about the ongoing high standards of the Broadway production. I REALLY hope that continues in London and New York since now both Hal and Gillian have left us. Of the original production team they (along with Maria) seemed to be the ones with the most passion for the show.

 

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 8/26/19 at 11:56pm

ukpuppetboy said: "It’s so heartening reading the good reports about the ongoinghigh standards of the Broadway production. I REALLY hope that continues in London and New York since now both Hal and Gillian have left us. Of the original production team they (along with Maria) seemed to be the ones with the most passionfor the show."

I hope the resident directors and assistants are able to maintain the high standard as well. For whatever short period of time he came in to work with them, I sat watching the show recently and realized I was likely watching the final Broadway cast to have worked directly with Hal Prince.

[Lot666]

Posted: 8/27/19 at 7:45am

ukpuppetboy said: "It’s so heartening reading the good reports about the ongoing high standards of the Broadway production. I REALLY hope that continues in London and New York since now both Hal and Gillian have left us. Of the original production team they (along with Maria) seemed to be the ones with the most passion for the show."

I have concerns about the recently announced new Phantom for the London production. He's simply far too young and ridiculously pretty to convincingly portray a horribly disfigured 40-50 year old man.

[Wick3]

Posted: 8/27/19 at 8:19am

I know it's not necessary but I hope John Riddle will grow his own moustache. I liked Jay Armstrong Johnson's look as Raoul. 

[Valentina3]

Posted: 8/27/19 at 8:51am

FANtomFollies said: "Just realized I'll be seeing John Riddle as Raoul at the end of September and to be honest I'm very excited. I loved Jay Armstrong when I saw him in "Hair" years ago, but seeing all the clips of him in Phantom left me kind of dreading seeing him in the show. I've never seen John Riddle in anything but have heard him on the Frozen and I feel more confident in his vocal abilities :)

http://www.playbill.com/article/broadways-the-phantom-of-the-opera-will-welcome-new-christine-daae-this-fall"

He was an absolute gem in The Visit. His voice filled the theater like a beautiful melody filled with pain and desire. Since Raoul's character is similar, I think you're in for a treat.

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 8/27/19 at 9:56am

He was an absolute gem in The Visit. His voice filled the theater like a beautiful melody filled with pain and desire. Since Raoul's character is similar, I think you're in for a treat."

Holy cow - I saw him in the Visit - I didn't realize that was him. I can't wait to see/hear his Raoul!!!

[ukpuppetboy]

Posted: 8/27/19 at 10:35am

Lot666 said: "
I have concerns about the recently announced new Phantom for the London production. He's simply far too young and ridiculously pretty to convincingly portray a horribly disfigured 40-50 year old man."

I actually think he’ll be amazing based on the recordings I’ve heard and his very powerful operatic tone. I think so long as he acts the part and can physically command the stage then his youth and (unquestionably fine) looks are absorbed within the makeup. I certainly had no problems with Ben Forster recently. And Johnathan Roxmouth earned great notices on the world tour having first playing the role in his mid 20s.

[Lot666]

Posted: 8/27/19 at 11:40am

ukpuppetboy said: "I actually think he’ll be amazing based on the recordings I’ve heard and his very powerful operatic tone. I think so long as he acts the part and can physically command the stage then his youth and (unquestionably fine) looks are absorbed within the makeup. I certainly had no problems with Ben Forster recently. And Johnathan Roxmouth earned great notices on the world tour having first playing the role in his mid 20s."

I agree that he sounds good, but I often have trouble with "suspension of disbelief" when an obviously beautiful young man plays this role, even in full makeup. The first time I saw Ramin Karimloo play the Phantom, I loved his vocal power but his physical beauty was abundantly clear to me. I also thought Ben Forster looked absurdly young and handsome, and he was perhaps the weakest I've seen, because he also has a relatively unimpressive "pop" voice.

The "Stranger Than You Dreamt It" scene always falls apart for me when the actor is young and handsome.

Updated On: 8/27/19 at 11:40 AM

[FANtomFollies]

Posted: 9/13/19 at 2:46pm

Anyone see John in Phantom yet? Super interested to hear about his performance.